Trump jokes JD Vance will take fall if Iran deal fails: ‘If it does happen, I’m taking full credit’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump made a light joke during an Easter event at the White House on Wednesday, April 1. He said Vice President JD Vance would take the blame if talks to end the war in Iran fail.

Later that evening, in a TV speech, he said the war in Iran is close to ending. He called the US and Israel’s military action a big success. He also warned that things could get worse if a deal is not made soon.

He said his team is working with other countries to end the war quickly. He asked all sides to agree to peace talks. He also said the US is ready to take more action if needed.

Trump jokes JD Vance will take blame if Iran deal fails

During the address, Trump made sure to keep things light. “He’s working on the deal, right? How’s that moving? Is it OK? The big deal?” Trump asked Vance in front of officials and supporters.

Vance replied from the audience that talks with Iranian officials were “going good.” “You see it happening?” Trump asked. “Uh, we’re gonna brief you, too,” Vance said.

“So, if it doesn’t happen, I’m blaming JD Vance,” Trump said as people laughed. “If it does happen, I’m taking full credit.” “I think it has to happen,” Trump added. “I think they’re desperate.”

The exchange showed a lighter side of the discussion, even as the issue remains serious. It also highlighted how closely the administration is watching the progress of the talks. Officials say efforts are ongoing, but the outcome is still uncertain.

Trump warns of strong action as Iran war tensions continue

Trump said in a primetime address that the US military is stepping up its attacks on Iran, and the conflict could continue for the next few weeks. “We’re going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks,” Trump said during the 19-minute speech. “We’re going to bring them back to the stone ages where they belong. In the meantime, discussions are ongoing.”

He also added that countries facing fuel shortages should act boldly and consider taking oil from the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said that if they are unable to do so, they can instead buy oil from the US.

Before Trump’s speech, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reached out to the American public through a letter. “Today the world stands at a crossroads,” Pezeshkian wrote.

“Continuing along the path of confrontation is more costly and futile than ever before. The choice between confrontation and engagement is both real and consequential; its outcome will shape the future for generations to come.”

His message called for a shift away from conflict and warned about the long-term impact of rising tensions.